U.S. patent application number 12/080915 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for integrated portable electronics tester.
Invention is credited to Paul Delory.
Application Number | 20080270079 12/080915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39888026 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080270079 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Delory; Paul |
October 30, 2008 |
Integrated portable electronics tester
Abstract
A device and method for testing the functionality of various
electronic device components. The device is portable and is capable
of being upgraded with changes in technology. The device is
enclosed within a housing, which comprises a power supply and a
display. The disclosed device incorporates a tester for personal
computer and laptop components, including but not limited to, power
supply, microprocessor, motherboard, system memory, video
subsystem, mass storage devices, and cables.
Inventors: |
Delory; Paul; (Malden,
MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAMBERT & ASSOCIATES, P.L.L.C.
92 STATE STREET
BOSTON
MA
02109-2004
US
|
Family ID: |
39888026 |
Appl. No.: |
12/080915 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11513622 |
Aug 31, 2006 |
7376537 |
|
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12080915 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
702/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 11/273
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/186 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/00 20060101
G06F015/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for the diagnosis of the peripherals of both laptop
and desktop computers comprising: a main control panel; a series of
modules in electrical communication comprising: a module for
testing a desktop PC's power supply; a module for testing a laptop
PC's power supply; a module for testing a mass storage device; a
module for testing cable continuity; a module for testing a desktop
PC's POST function, RAM function, and video function; a module for
testing a laptop PC's POST function and RAM function; and a module
for testing a laptop PC's video function.
2. The apparatus for diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim 1
wherein said modules are removable and upgradeable to accommodate
new technologies, as these are developed; and where there may be
more or fewer modules, depending upon the needs of the
technology.
3. The apparatus for the diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim
1 wherein said apparatus is portable.
4. The apparatus for the diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim
1 wherein said module for testing a laptop PC's power supply
further comprises a series of components in electrical
communication comprising: a power supply tester; an autoranging DC
power supply; an LCD display on which the condition of components
under test is indicated; a series of adapters designed to interface
a universal connector with any state-of-the-art power
connector.
5. The apparatus for the diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim
4 wherein said module for testing a laptop power supply is utilized
to supply power to a malfunctioning laptop PC.
6. The apparatus for the diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim
4 wherein said module for testing a laptop power supply
incorporates a variety of adapters such that said module will
function with all state of the art laptop power supplies.
7. The apparatus for the diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim
4 wherein said module for testing a power supply is upgradeable to
accommodate new technologies.
8. The apparatus for diagnosis of computer peripherals of claim 1
wherein said module for testing POST and RAM function on a laptop
PC further comprises a series of components in electrical
communication comprising: a microprocessor; one or more nonvolatile
memory means used to store the test subroutines and a database of
error codes and resolutions; a means of communicating with a
companion personal computer to receive updates to test routines and
the error code database; a volatile memory means; and, a POST/RAM
diagnostics cable.
9. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 8 wherein said POST/RAM diagnostics cable is designed to
interface with said laptop PC under test via its PCMCIA bus and to
unspool from said apparatus via a retractable cable.
10. The apparatus for diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals of
claim 8 wherein said microprocessor and said volatile memory means
are used as surrogates for a set of components on said laptop PC
under test when said set of components on said laptop PC
malfunction.
11. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 8 wherein said module for testing POST and RAM function
reports errors to an end user in non-technical language.
12. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 8 wherein said module for testing POST and RAM function
advises an end user of the appropriate resolution for any errors
discovered by said apparatus.
13. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 8 wherein the said module for testing POST and RAM
function is upgradeable to accommodate new technologies.
14. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 1 wherein said module for testing a laptop PC's video
function further comprises a series of components in electrical
communication comprising: a microprocessor to act as a video
controller; one or more nonvolatile memory means used to store the
test subroutines; a means of video output; a diagnostic cable for
said video output; one or more fixed ports for said video output; a
series of adapters for said means of video output; a means of video
input; a diagnostic cable for said video input; and a series of
adapters for said video input.
15. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 14 wherein said video controller are used as surrogates
for a set of components on said laptop PC under test when said set
of components on said laptop PC malfunction.
16. The apparatus for the diagnosis of laptop computer peripherals
of claim 14 wherein the said module for laptop video function is
upgradeable to accommodate new technologies, as these develop.
17. An apparatus for the management, storage, and use of a series
of adapters, comprising: a retractable cable; a spool on which said
retractable cable can be wound; a one-way locking gear for said
spool; a universal receiver terminating said retractable cable; a
selector wheel for adapters; a spring permitting limited vertical
motion of said selector wheel; a metal tongue for said universal
receiver permitting only engaging motion; a release for said metal
tongue; and a release for said retractable cable.
18. A method for conducting testing of a laptop PC comprising the
steps of: (a) determining whether the PC turns on, wherein when the
PC turns on proceeding to step (c), wherein when the PC does not
turn on measuring the power supply of the PC using a power supply
tester; (b) using a second functional power supplier to supply
power to the PC and turning the PC on; (c) using a POST/RAM
diagnostics card on the PCMCIA bus of the laptop PC to test the
motherboard, processor, and RAM of the PC, wherein when the POST
diagnostics card does not find a defect proceeding to step (e),
further wherein when the POST diagnostics find a defect the card
generates a code; (d) using means for obtaining definition of the
code generated by the POST/RAM diagnostics card; (e) using the
POST/RAM diagnostics card on the PCMCIA bus of the laptop PC to
test the memory of the PC; (alternative claim--removing the RAM
chips from the PC and testing the RAM chips in a separate memory
tester) (f) wherein when a defect is found in the motherboard or
processor of the PC by step (c) or a defect is found in the memory
of the PC by step (e) then removing the hard drive of the PC; (g)
making the hard drive readable on a second functional PC and
testing the hard drive for software errors.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/513,622 filed on Aug. 31, 2006, the
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to the field of testing the
condition of a computer or laptop and the components and/or
peripherals thereof and includes an apparatus and method for
achieving testing.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Diagnosis of a faulty computer system can be a difficult
process. The computer service technician is charged with
identifying all the faults in a given system in quick and accurate
fashion. Prior to the advent of the instant invention, the methods
a technician may utilize to accomplish this task qualify as
unsatisfactory. Presently, one method entails trial and error,
replacing the various components of a PC with components that are
known to work properly. This constitutes a cumbersome and
time-consuming process that requires the technician to continually
have on hand an inventory of tools and known-good parts.
[0006] Another method is to use a variety of computer testing
tools, which are known in the art, to test all the various
components/peripherals of the PC. Once again, to accomplish testing
and repair in this manner, the technician must have on-hand a large
inventory of tools, each designed to test a single PC component.
Further, the technician must once again possess an inventory of
known-good parts to replicate the function of components he finds
to be faulty.
[0007] These methods become even more unsatisfactory when one
considers how quickly technology changes. In order to stay abreast
of the frequent and substantial changes in computing technology,
the technician must always be purchasing new tools designed to test
the functionality of such new devices and standards as are
developed. Moreover, when these new devices and standards are
developed, their adoption is never immediate, meaning that a
technician will always be required to service a mix of old and new
technologies. Thus, he does not simply discard his old tools in
favor of the new, but rather adds the new tools to the old.
[0008] The result of these practices is a toolbox that is ever
larger, ever more unwieldy, and ever more expensive. Of higher
import, if a technician requires a large number of tools in his
daily business, he must be proficient in the use of a large number
of tools. As well, the technician must understand how to operate
each of the tools in his kit, how they relate to one another, and
how to interpret the various and extensive results and/or outputs
of the tests. In short, there is a burden placed upon the
technician to coordinate and understand the large and diverse
number of data with which he is regularly presented.
[0009] Furthermore, the hardware diagnostic tools presently
available and known in the art make no provision for the testing of
a computer's software configuration. This constitutes a glaring
weakness, since as present day computers evolve; the software
configuration is at least as important to proper operation as the
hardware. A service technician cannot be said to have made a
complete diagnosis unless he has also tested a computer's software.
(This is particularly true in light of the current epidemic of
viruses and spyware; at present, nearly every Windows-based machine
the service technician encounters will be infested with some form
of "malware.") Additionally, the service technician will frequently
need to retrieve data stored on a malfunctioning computer, and no
tool presently available makes any provision for such data
retrieval due to the design of present systems.
[0010] A large number of diagnostic tools for individual PC
components are known to the art, and in fact are in wide use in the
industry. But there exists in the art no portable, universal,
completely modular, expandable, and upgradeable device that
integrates into one package all the tools a field service
technician needs, tests each PC component in its native operating
environment, replicates the function of faulty PC components,
provides for the testing of a PC's software condition, and allows
for the retrieval of data from a malfunctioning PC.
[0011] Furthermore, there are additional challenges when repairing
a laptop PC, over and beyond those described above, because of the
lack of standardization in mobile computing. Desktop PCs conform to
rigid and detailed universal specifications, which are set by
industry groups and therefore utilized industry-wide. Laptop PCs,
however, have far fewer such standards. Individual manufacturers
engineer their own components to their own specifications, and
therefore there is a vast assortment of different components in use
in the industry. Components vary wildly between different
manufacturers, between different models produced by the same
manufacturer, and even between different machines of the same make
and model. The service technician, of course, is charged with
repairing all of these machines, regardless of the differences in
components. Therefore, he must have tools capable of diagnosing and
repairing this large and sometimes baffling array of
components.
[0012] The Portable Electronic Tester disclosed in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/513,662 to Delory, and incorporated herein
by reference, while an important step in this direction, has only
limited functionality for laptops. The desktop unit is designed to
work with industry-standardized technologies, only those laptop
components that are standardized can be diagnosed by the desktop
unit. While the apparatus is capable of testing laptop hard drives,
and the continuity of many important cables used in laptops. But it
is incapable of diagnosing laptop power supplies, processors,
memory, video output, or video display panels, as these components,
which are standardized on desktop PCs, have no equivalent
uniformity on laptops. There is a clear need, then, for a test
device that is capable of diagnosing and repairing the diverse and
sundry components it will encounter in the mobile computing
environment.
[0013] But any solution will introduce a different problem. Because
of this proliferation of different connector types for laptop
components, the only practicable solutions will involve an
assortment of adapters designed to interface the tool with the all
the various connector types the tool's user will inevitably
encounter in the field. With any collection of adapters, however,
there is always the risk that adapters will be lost or broken,
rendering the tool useless. Therefore, the device must also take
measures to eliminate the risk of loss or breakage of these
all-important adapters.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,991,805, issued to Krukovsky in 1999,
discloses a tester for computer audio and video that is both
portable and universal. But this device, while an obvious
improvement to other testers known in the art, is limited in scope
to the testing of video and audio. In a field service environment,
it would be just one more tool in the service technician's kit,
rather than an integrated diagnostic solution.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,192, issued to Harrington et al. in
2004, discloses a DRDRAM chip tester, which differs from other
DRDRAM testers known to the art in that it can test a memory chip
in a reduced power state. But this device requires the memory chips
to be inserted in the device's test banks. In a field service
environment, the end user would be obliged to remove the chips from
the computer under test and place them in the device. This is an
obvious inconvenience. But, far more importantly, this device tests
only the memory chips themselves. In a field service environment,
the service technician requires a memory test that tests the entire
memory subsystem. It is imperative, therefore, that the field
service technician test memory chips in their native operating
environment--a test the Harrington device cannot conduct.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,837,764, issued to Russello in 1989,
discloses "an apparatus and method for testing the condition of
computer peripherals." This device, however, is limited in scope to
the testing of computer peripherals such as printers and modems: It
makes no provision for the testing of internal PC components. This
device is not portable. This device makes no provision for
upgrading to new technologies--and indeed, the technologies around
which this device is built are now obsolete, meaning that this
device would not function with any PC peripheral sold today.
Furthermore, the Russello device relies upon a series of diagnostic
cards, which cards need to be written with diagnostic routines
suitable for each individual peripheral under test. This solution
is impracticable: To have on hand a diagnostic card appropriate for
every peripheral type known in the art would be not just
unnecessarily cumbersome, but virtually impossible.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,357,519, issued to Martin in 1994, discloses
"a device and method for diagnosing a faulty computer system
without disassembling the system."These "nonintrusive diagnostics
of a computer system" allow the end user to connect the Martin
device to the externally accessible ports of a malfunctioning PC,
whereupon the device will execute a series of test routines, and
report back to the end user any errors in the PC's hardware it
finds. Since PCs are built in many different configurations, the
device operates via a series of removable ROM packs and port packs:
The user inserts the appropriate ROM pack, which contains the
appropriate test routines for the particular PC under test, and the
appropriate port pack, which replicates the port configuration on
the particular PC under test. Thus, the Martin device allows an end
user with little training to diagnose PC problems accurately,
without ever needing to access the interior of the PC under
test.
[0018] As with the Russello device, the Martin device relies upon a
series of removable ROM packs and port packs, requiring the end
user to have on hand two accessory packs for each computer to be
tested; if these packs are not present, the device cannot function.
These packs are cumbersome, and they call into question the Martin
device's claim to portability: Although the device itself may be
portable, the end user must also carry a potentially very large
number of ROM and port packs. Furthermore, the Martin device makes
no provision for replicating a malfunctioning PC's faulty
components. While it uses its own components to compensate for the
missing functionality of faulty components, it runs its own
software-based test routines, rather than enabling the PC under
test to load into its normal operating environment. Thus, the end
user cannot assess the condition of a PC's software configuration,
nor can he retrieve data from a malfunctioning PC, using the Martin
device.
[0019] Most importantly, however, the Martin device's diagnostic
method is irreparably obsolete: It simply would not function with
today's technology. Many of its diagnostic subroutines rely upon
accessing the Test Manager diagnostic program stored in the boot
ROMs of the Macintosh computers of this device's era. But Macintosh
computers no longer make use of boot ROMs, and Windows-platform PCs
never did. The Martin device would not function on any PC
manufactured today. Moreover, even when the Macintosh's boot ROM
system was state-of-the-art, this device could make no claim to
universality: The Macintosh never enjoyed much market support; this
device would function on, at best, one machine in ten. A computer
testing device that cannot test Windows-based PCs isn't of much
practical value.
[0020] In summary, investigation of these disclosed devices
illustrates that presently, there is no single device known in the
art that meets the requirements of a field service technician as
nothing in the prior art discloses a portable integrated tester
which allows the user to check a variety of component and
functionality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The instant invention, as illustrated herein, is clearly not
anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior
art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof.
[0022] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
single, portable device useful for computer and laptop diagnostics
and repair, which device integrates into one package all the tools
a field service technician needs in his daily business.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
diagnostic device that can be upgraded to accommodate such new
technology as will inevitably be developed, while still remaining
useful for older and legacy technologies.
[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
diagnostic device that can also replicate the functions of faulty
PC and laptop components, allowing the PC or laptop under test to
be operated normally, and in its native operating environment, so
that all components can be tested in-environment, and under their
normal operating conditions.
[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
device that enables the service technician to test a PC or laptop's
software configuration, and to retrieve data stored on a PC, even
when that PC cannot do so itself due to some malfunction.
[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for the diagnosing and repairing of a computer or laptop
that requires no system-specific knowledge on the part of the end
user, and relatively little general repair knowledge.
[0027] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the portable electronics tester in order that
the detailed description thereof that follows may be better
understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art
may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the
invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form
the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0028] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0029] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty, which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
illustrating an overview of the location of the Main Control Panel
and the Four Removable Modules;
[0031] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
further illustrating the components of the Main Control Panel and
the Four Removable Modules;
[0032] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
further illustrating the PC's PCI bus; inputs for a standard
ATX/BTX Molex connector; the third DC power output with a standard
ATX/BTX peripheral power output connector; preferably featuring a
retractable cable; and, a fourth DC power output with a SATA
peripheral power connector; preferably featuring a retractable
cable.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the method.
[0034] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
further illustrating a video test module for testing a laptop
computer's video system.
[0035] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
further illustrating a power supply module for testing a laptop
computer's power supply.
[0036] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
further illustrating a POST/RAM test module for testing a laptop
computer's POST process and RAM.
[0037] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the instant invention,
further illustrating a selector wheel for use in conjunction with
the instant invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The instant invention, which, in its integrated form may be
deemed the "TechMate," comprises an apparatus and methods for (1)
testing the condition of computer components and/or peripherals;
(2) diagnosing specific problems with those components and/or
peripherals; (3) providing electrical power to computers that
cannot power themselves due to some malfunction; (4) replicating
the function of malfunctioning PC components, so that testing can
proceed unhindered; and (5) retrieving user data from computers
when they cannot do so themselves due to some malfunction. The
apparatus is universal, portable, completely modular, expandable,
and upgradeable for new technology.
[0039] The instant invention may be contained in a separate housing
or integrated into the same chassis with a laptop computer. However
the device is accommodated, it will consist of a main control panel
controlling and coordinating a series of modules designed to test
all the relevant functions of a PC's components and
peripherals.
[0040] Taking into account the present state of the art, the
current embodiment of the TechMate will feature four removable
modules 39-42, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. These respective modules
include a module for testing a malfunctioning personal computer's
power supply 40; a module for personal computer's mass storage
devices 41; a module for testing a personal computer's cable
continuity 42; and a module for testing a personal computer's 39
POST, RAM, and video. Again, this is only the current embodiment,
since as technology changes these modules can be replaced with
modules designed to test whatever new technology is developed.
There can even be more or fewer modules depending upon the needs of
the technology.
[0041] The TechMate Main Control Panel 38 is the main user
interface for the device, and controls and coordinates the
individual test modules. It consists of a master power switch 3; a
means of communicating with the end user, preferably an LCD screen
4; a means of receiving user input and commands, preferably a
series of cursor controls 5; a microprocessor; and one or more
nonvolatile memory means for storing commands and operating
instructions.
[0042] The Power Supply Test Module 39 is designed to provide
complete testing of a PC's power supply, as well as to provide
power to a PC whose power supply has malfunctioned. It will consist
of a DC power supply comprising a rectifier and AC to DC converter,
which supply is capable of producing electrical power sufficient to
enable not only the module's own operation, but to provide power to
a malfunctioning PC; a simple ATX/BTX power supply tester with
inputs for both a standard ATX/BTX Molex connector 9 and a Pentium
IV auxiliary power connector 7; a panel of LEDs to indicate a power
supply's condition 6; a first DC power output with a standard
ATX/BTX Molex connector, preferably featuring a retractable cable
8; a second DC power output with a Pentium IV auxiliary power
connector, preferably featuring a retractable cable 10; a third DC
power output with a standard ATX/BTX peripheral power output
connector, preferably featuring a retractable cable 12; and a
fourth DC power output with a SATA peripheral power connector,
preferably featuring a retractable cable 11.
[0043] Of course, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that
this module can be redesigned in future to accommodate changes in
power supply technology and thus, as the ATX-style connectors that
are the current state of the art become obsolete and are replaced
with newer standards, new modules can be easily designed that will
allow the device to test and power devices built to those newer
standards.
[0044] When the technician engages a PC that cannot power on, the
end user will begin his diagnostic procedure by testing the PC's
power supply. He will connect the power supply's Molex connector to
the ATX/BTX Molex Power Connector Test Input Port 9. If the PC to
be tested has a Pentium IV processor, he will also connect the
power supply's auxiliary power connector to the Pentium IV
Auxiliary Power Connector Test Input Port 7; otherwise, this port
will not be used. The condition of the power supply will be
indicated on the Power Supply Tester Indicator LEDs 6 as follows:
if all of these LEDs light up, the power supply functions to
specifications; if one or more fail to light, the power supply is
defective and needs replacement.
[0045] If, by means of this test, the end user determines that the
power supply is defective, he can then use the device as a
surrogate power supply, in order to power the PC for further
testing. To achieve this, the user unspools the ATX/BTX Molex Power
Output 8 and connects it to the PC's motherboard. If the PC has a
Pentium IV processor, he also unspools and connects the Pentium IV
Auxiliary Power Output 10; otherwise, this cable is not used.
[0046] The technician can now power the PC normally. To boot the
PC, of course, the technician will need to provide power to its
hard drive and will do so by unspooling and connecting to the PC's
hard drive either the ATX/BTX Standard Peripheral Power Output 12,
or the SATA Peripheral Power Output 11, depending on which power
connector the component to be tested uses.
[0047] The POST/RAM/Video Diagnostics Module 39 is designed to
provide complete testing of a PC's Power-On Self-Test (POST)
process, processor, motherboard, system memory, and video
subsystem; and also to provide surrogate system memory, a surrogate
video card, or even a surrogate processor, as needed. It consists
of a microprocessor; one or more nonvolatile memory means used to
store the test subroutines and a database of error codes and
resolutions; a means of communicating with the device's companion
personal computer ("PC"), preferably a USB or Ethernet interface,
to load new or updated test routines and/or POST error codes into
its nonvolatile memory 36; a volatile memory means to be used in
the event of faulty volatile memory in the PC under test; a
POST/RAM/Video diagnostics cable, designed to fit into a standard
PCI expansion slot and to function on the PC's PCI bus 1; and a
standard SVGA video output port used for this module's video test
subroutines 2. Here, too, it will be obvious to one skilled in the
art that this module can be easily redesigned in future to
accommodate changes in technology. Indeed, the module will receive
updated POST error and resolution information via its communication
means 36 as often as needed, and when the PCI standard bus that is
the current state of the art becomes obsolete, this module can be
easily redesigned with such new technology as will be
developed.
[0048] When the end user encounters a PC that (1) does not POST, or
(2) does not power on even though the power supply tests normal, he
will unspool the POST/RAM Diagnostics Cable 1 from the module and
connect it to any available PCI slot on the motherboard. First, the
module's microprocessor will execute the POST test subroutines
stored in the nonvolatile memory means, and conduct the POST test.
If there are errors detected in the POST, it will record the POST
error code(s) that were returned, and reference them against the
database of POST error codes and resolutions stored in its
nonvolatile memory means.
[0049] It will then display any POST error codes for the user, on
the device's LCD screen 4. It will also list there, in
non-technical language, the remedy for the POST error codes drawn
from the database of resolutions stored in its nonvolatile memory
means. Second, the module's microprocessor will load the memory
test subroutines stored in the module's nonvolatile memory means,
and test the system's memory. If there are any problems detected
with the system's RAM, it will display those errors on the LCD
screen 4, again in clear, non-technical language. Third, the
module's microprocessor will load the video test subroutines from
the module's nonvolatile memory means, and execute the video tests.
These video tests will display a test pattern on the PC's monitor.
The device will display on the LCD screen 4 a question asking the
end user whether the test pattern displayed properly, and will
receive the user's input via the device's control panel 5.
[0050] Because this module has its own microprocessor, volatile
memory, and video display subsystem, it has the ability to
surrogate any of the above components, if testing should prove them
faulty. If the PC's processor is faulty, this module's
microprocessor will take over, so that the remaining two tests can
be run. Similarly, if the PC's system memory should prove faulty,
this module will allow the PC's processor to load the data it needs
into the module's own volatile memory means, so that the other
tests can proceed. Additionally, this module features an SVGA Video
Output Port 2 that can be used when a PC's video card is faulty.
When an end user cannot see the test pattern that should be
displayed on the test PC's monitor as part of the video subsystem
test (as described above), he simply connects the PC's monitor to
the SVGA Video Output Port 2. The test pattern will then be
displayed again. If the end user can now see the test pattern, he
knows the PC's monitor is working normally, and that its video card
is defective and needs replacement; if the test pattern does not
display, the end user knows this monitor is defective.
[0051] The Mass Storage Testing Module 41 is designed allow the
user to connect a mass storage device (usually a hard disk drive)
to the device in order to (1) test its condition and functionality,
(2) identify any errors or problems that may be present in the
software stored on the mass storage device being tested, and (3)
make it usable on a functioning PC, so that any data stored on the
mass storage device being tested can be retrieved. It consists of a
microprocessor; a nonvolatile memory means used to store commands
and instructions for the microprocessor; a volatile memory means to
be used as a data buffer; a series of input ports to which a mass
storage device can be connected in order to make it visible and
readable to the device's companion PC, namely an IDE standard
desktop input port 13, an IDE standard notebook input port 18, and
a SATA standard input port 15; a series of input/output ports which
can be used either as secondary inputs, or as destination output
ports for the devices connected to the input ports as described
above, namely an IDE standard desktop input/output port 19, an IDE
standard notebook input/output port 14, and a SATA standard
input/output port 17; and a mode selector switch that controls the
function of the input/output ports 16.
[0052] Again, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art
that this module can be redesigned to accommodate changes in
technology: As the IDE and SATA standards become obsolete and are
replaced by new standards, this module can be easily replaced with
new modules designed to test and read from such new mass storage
technologies as shall be developed.
[0053] After he has conducted the power supply and POST/RAM tests
outlined above, the technician still needs to test the PC's mass
storage devices, in particular its hard drive, and he may wish to
retrieve data stored thereon. To do this, he will connect the hard
drive to the device. If the drive in question is an IDE-type drive
from a desktop PC, he will connect it to the device using either
the IDE Standard Desktop Input Port 13, or the IDE Standard Desktop
Input/Output Port 19, and will power it using the ATX/BTX Standard
Peripheral Power Output 12 from the Power Supply Test Module. If
the drive in question is an IDE-type drive from a notebook PC, he
will connect it to the device using either the IDE Standard
Notebook Input Port 18, or the IDE Standard Notebook Input/Output
Port 14, and will again power it using the ATX/BTX Standard
Peripheral Power Output 12 from the Power Supply Test Module.
[0054] If the hard drive in question is a SATA-type hard drive (for
either a notebook or desktop PC), he will connect it to the device
using either the SATA Standard Input Port 15 or the SATA Standard
Input/Output Port 17, and power it using the SATA Peripheral Power
Output 11 from the Power Supply Test Module. Regardless of how the
drive to be tested is connected, the module will then transmit
connection data to the device's companion PC via the module's PC
Data Link Port 36. The mass storage device being tested will appear
normally on the companion PC, where it can be tested, or its data
copied.
[0055] This module can also be used to clone a hard disk drive. The
Mass Storage Test Module Mode Selector Switch 16 controls the
function of the three mass storage input/output ports 14, 17, and
19. When this switch is in "Copy" mode, these ports function as
inputs; when in "Clone" mode, they function as outputs. To clone a
hard disk completely, the technician need only set the module to
"Clone" mode and attach it to one of the module's input-only ports
13, 15, or 18. The data will then be copied onto a device attached
to any one of the output ports. During the cloning process, the LCD
screen 3 will display the task progress, along with any errors that
may arise.
[0056] The Cable Continuity Testing Module 42 is designed to test
the continuity of a variety of cables commonly used in PCs. It
consists of a low-capacity power source, preferably either a
capacitor charged from the device's main power supply or a standard
commercial battery such as a AA; a means of communicating to the
end user the results of the continuity testing, preferably a small,
simple electro-active speaker that will sound an audible signal
when a circuit is completed in a functioning cable; and a series of
test ports to which the cables will be connected, as are described
below.
[0057] To test any cable, the end user need only connect each end
of the cable to each test port. It makes no difference which end of
the cable is plugged into which test port. If the cable is sound,
and functioning to specifications, the audible buzzer will sound;
if the cable is faulty, it will not. The module can test the
following cables:
1. RJ-11 (standard phone line), by connecting 20 to 21; [0058] 2.
RJ-45 (standard Ethernet patch cable), by connecting 24 to 25;
[0059] 3. USB Type-A to USB Type-B, by connecting 22 or 30 to 26;
[0060] 4. USB Type-B to USB Type-B (USB extension), by connecting
22 to 30; [0061] 5. IDE Standard Desktop, by connecting 23 to 26;
[0062] 6. IEEE-1394, by connecting 28 to 29; [0063] 7. SATA, by
connecting 31 to 32; [0064] 8. SVGA, by connecting 33 to 34. Once
more, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that this module
can be easily adapted to test any combination of cables.
[0065] The TechMate incorporates all the hardware diagnostic tools
a field service technician needs in one portable device
approximately the size of a paperback book. The device interfaces
with any standard Windows laptop through a USB port and can even be
incorporated into the same chassis with a laptop PC. It includes a
power supply tester; PCI bus-based testing for motherboards,
processors, system memory, and the POST process; and cable
continuity checkers. More importantly, it includes a surrogate
power supply and a surrogate video card, so that the technician in
the field can still power up a PC with a malfunctioning power
supply, or can still get video output from a PC with a
malfunctioning video card.
[0066] This enables the technician to proceed to further testing,
even when these devices do not work. It allows him to test all the
relevant hardware of a PC, even when some of that hardware is
malfunctioning. Most importantly of all, however, the TechMate
provides connectivity for hard disk drives. This allows the field
service technician to interface a malfunctioning PC's hard disk
with his laptop; once there, he can test the drive, scan for any
software errors, scan for viruses and spyware, and retrieve any
data his client may need.
[0067] In addition to the instant invention possessing the capacity
to fully test and run diagnostics on a personal computer,
additional modules have been incorporated to allow for equivalent
and substantive testing of a laptop's primary systems including
power, video and POST/RAM as illustrated and described below.
[0068] Furthermore, taking into account the present state of the
art, the current embodiment of the device will feature four
removable modules 39-42, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. These respective
modules include a module for testing a malfunctioning personal
computer's power supply 40; a module for personal computer's mass
storage devices 41; a module for testing a personal computer's
cable continuity 42; and a module for testing a personal computer's
39 POST, RAM, and video. To this original embodiment will now be
added three additional removable modules 101, 119, and 141, as
shown in FIGS. 5-8. These modules include a module for testing a
laptop computer's power supply 119; a module for testing a laptop
computer's video system 101; and a module for testing a laptop
computer's POST process and RAM 141. Again, only the preferred
embodiment is described herein, since as technology changes these
modules can be replaced with modules designed to test whatever new
technology is developed. Therefore, those skilled in the art may
utilize greater or fewer modules than present disclosed depending
upon the needs of the technology at the time of operation of the
instant invention.
[0069] FIG. 5 illustrates the Laptop Video Test Module 101 is
designed to allow complete testing of a laptop computer's video
subsystem, including its video controller, integrated video
display, and inverter board (if any); and to surrogate the function
of any element of the video system, should any prove faulty. It
will consist of a microprocessor; one or more video logic
controllers suitable to drive any of the various displays in common
use in the art; one or more nonvolatile memory means used to store
commands and instructions for the microprocessor and video logic
controller(s); a video output capable of sending video test
patterns to a video display under test, featuring a retractable
cable terminating in a receiver designed to accommodate an adapter;
a series of adapters suitable to interface the receiver terminating
the video output cable with any connector type in common use in the
art 108, and 110-112, which adapters are arranged on a selector
wheel 105 described more particularly below; a standard SVGA video
connector for the video output 103; a standard DVI video connector
for the video output 102; a selector switch 113 controlling the
destination of the video being output, and capable of directing the
output to the SVGA video connector, the DVI video connector, or the
assortment of laptop video interface adapters; a video input
capable of receiving video from any laptop video controller then in
common use in the art, featuring a retractable cable terminating in
a receiver designed to accommodate an adapter; a series of adapters
suitable to interface the receiver terminating the video input
cable with any connector type then in common use in the art
114-118, which adapters are arranged on a selector wheel 107, as
described more particularly below.
[0070] When a technician encounters a laptop PC that does not
display video, he must first determine whether the laptop is
delivering video to its integrated video display, and then whether
the video display is displaying it properly, since the problem
could lie with either or both of these components. To do this, he
will first disconnect the laptop's integrated video display from
its video controller on the laptop's motherboard, select the
appropriate adapter on the tool, and then connect the laptop's
display to the tool. The tool will send a video test pattern to the
laptop's display. If the video test pattern displays properly, the
technician knows the display is functioning; if it does not, the
technician knows the display is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Next, the technician will test the laptop's video card and video
output system. To do this, he will select the appropriate adapter
from the adapter wheel, and connect the laptop's video controller
to the device. The video controller's normal output can then be
displayed on a standard PC video monitor connected either the
standard SVGA video output 103 or the standard DVI video output
102. Alternatively, if a known-good reference monitor is not
available at the time of testing, the apparatus will verify that
raw data is being passed from the video controller, and display
confirmation on its internal LCD display.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates The Power Supply Test Module 119 is
designed to provide complete testing of a laptop PC's power supply,
as well as to provide power to a laptop PC whose power supply has
malfunctioned. It will consist of a DC power supply comprising a
rectifier and AC to DC converter, which supply is capable of
producing electrical power sufficient to enable not only the
module's own operation, but to provide power to a malfunctioning
laptop PC; an autoranging sensor that allows the module to supply
the specific requested power for an individual unit under test, on
demand; an LCD screen on which the condition of a power supply
under test can be indicated 121; a microprocessor suitable for
controlling the LCD screen; one or more nonvolatile memory means
suitable for storing commands and operating instructions for the
microprocessor and LCD screen subsystem; a series of inputs for the
power supply tester suitable to interface any power supply
connector type in common use in the art 122-129; a first DC power
output with a universal connector; a series of adapters for the
first DC power output's universal connector, suitable to interface
the DC output with any power supply connector in common use in the
art 132-139; a second DC power output with a SATA peripheral power
connector, preferably featuring a retractable cable; and a selector
wheel for the adapters for use with the first DC power output 131,
described more particularly below.
[0072] Of course, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that
this module can be redesigned in future to accommodate changes in
power supply technology and thus, as the connectors that are the
current state of the art become obsolete and are replaced with
newer standards, new modules can be easily designed that will allow
the device to test and power devices built to those newer
standards.
[0073] When a technician engages a laptop PC that does not power
on, he will begin his diagnostic procedure by testing the PC's
power supply. He will connect the laptop's power supply to the
appropriate connector on the series of power supply inputs 122-129.
The Power Supply Test Module will then attempt to draw power from
the supply under test, and will measure its output. The output will
be displayed on the LCD screen 121, measured in voltage and
amperage. The technician will then compare the actual output of the
power supply under test with the optimal output--this information
can be found, by FCC rules, printed on the power supply itself (or
in the service manual, should the printed badge be missing or
illegible). If the power supply proves defective, the technician
will then use the Power Supply Test Module to power the laptop for
further testing. To do so, he will select the appropriate adapter
from the DC output connector selection wheel 131, using this
adapter to connect the DC power output to the laptop under test.
The Power Supply Test Module, being designed to deliver the
required power for any device on demand, will then power the laptop
according to its specifications, allowing the technician to proceed
to further testing.
[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a The POST/RAM Diagnostics Module 141 is
designed to provide complete testing of a PC's Power-On Self-Test
(POST) process, processor, motherboard, and system memory; and also
to provide surrogate system memory, or even a surrogate processor,
as needed. It consists of a microprocessor; one or more nonvolatile
memory means used to store the test subroutines and a database of
error codes and resolutions; a means of communicating with the
device's companion personal computer ("PC"), preferably a USB or
Ethernet interface, to load new or updated test routines and/or
POST error codes into its nonvolatile memory; a volatile memory
means to be used in the event of faulty volatile memory in the PC
under test; a POST/RAM Diagnostics Cable, designed to fit into a
standard Portable Computer Memory Card Interface Adapter ("PCMCIA"
or "PC Card") expansion slot and to function on the PC's PCMCIA bus
143.
[0075] Here, too, it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that
this module can be easily redesigned in future to accommodate
changes in technology. Indeed, the module will receive updated POST
error and resolution information via its communication means as
often as needed, and when the PCMCIA standard bus that is the
current state of the art becomes obsolete, this module can be
easily redesigned with such new technology as will inevitably be
developed.
[0076] When the end user encounters a laptop PC that (1) does not
POST, or (2) does not power on even though the power supply tests
normal, he will unspool the POST/RAM Diagnostics Cable 143 from the
module and connect it to any available PCMCIA slot. First, the
module's microprocessor will execute the POST test subroutines
stored in the nonvolatile memory means, and conduct the POST test.
If there are errors detected in the POST, it will record the POST
error code(s) that were returned, and reference them against the
database of POST error codes and resolutions stored in its
nonvolatile memory means.
[0077] It will then display any POST error codes for the user, on
the device's LCD screen 4. It will also list there, in
non-technical language, the remedy for the POST error codes drawn
from the database of resolutions stored in its nonvolatile memory
means. Second, the module's microprocessor will load the memory
test subroutines stored in the module's nonvolatile memory means,
and test the system's memory. If there are any problems detected
with the system's RAM, it will display those errors on the LCD
screen 4, again in clear, non-technical language.
[0078] Because this module has its own microprocessor, volatile
memory, and video display subsystem, it has the ability to
surrogate any of the above components, if testing should prove them
faulty. If the PC's processor is faulty, this module's
microprocessor will take over, so that the remaining two tests can
be run. Similarly, if the PC's system memory should prove faulty,
this module will allow the PC's processor to load the data it needs
into the module's own volatile memory means, so that the other
tests can proceed.
[0079] On each module, all adapters necessary to interface the
universal connector with any of the myriad connector types it will
encounter are arranged on a selector wheel. This wheel is designed
to allow them to be stored safely within the device, so that they
will not be lost or damaged in transit.
[0080] FIG. 8 displays in its retracted position, a retractable
cable 152 spools completely into the module housing. This cable
terminates in a universal receiver 153, which, when the cable is in
its retracted position, will face up toward the top of the housing.
The spool around which the cable is wound 150 features a one-way
locking gear 151 that permits the cable to extend while preventing
it from retracting. A release positioned on the top of the module
154 disengages the one-way locking gear, when necessary, to permit
the cable to retract. The universal receiver is recessed into the
housing.
[0081] The universal receiver 153 is a female connector 162
designed to accept a male retaining post. This post enters the
female connector, and is held in place by a tongue 163 made of
suitable material, preferably steel. The tongue is designed to lock
the receiver and an adapter together with sufficient strength to
permit the operator to extend the retractable cable by gripping the
adapter. To that end, the tongue will permit only downward motion
of the type that engages the adapter with the receiver, and resists
upward motion of the type that disengages adapter and receiver. A
release 164 serves to disengage the tongue and permit the
separation of receiver and adapter, when necessary.
[0082] Positioned over the universal receiver, flush with the top
edge of the housing, is a selector wheel 155 that rotates around a
central axis and uses a spring 156 to allow it limited vertical
motion. A series of adapters 157-161 is arranged along this
selector wheel. Each adapter features on one end a male connector
designed to fit into the female universal receiver 153, and on the
other end a connector suitable to interface with whatever device it
will be used to test. The adapter is oriented such that the end
designed to interface with the universal receiver faces the
receiver. This end of the adapter sits flush with the floor of the
selector wheel, and is designed to seal the gap in the selector
wheel such that no dust or debris can pass beyond it. The selector
wheel is rotated so that the desired adapter is positioned above
the universal receiver--the ready position. The operator then
presses down on the selector wheel, which lowers the selector wheel
vertically, causing the adapter in the ready position to engage
with the universal receiver. The operator then grasps the adapter
and pulls upward, causing the retracted cable to extend through the
gap in the selector wheel, unspooling as it pays out.
[0083] Finally, a key feature of the TechMate is its ability to
receive upgrades. All of the tools the TechMate incorporates are
readily adaptable to any new technology that will arise since each
connection originates from a removable plate on the device.
Although individual tools to test the various components exist, no
tool available today has been successful in integrating these vast
functions into one device.
* * * * *